Derivatives of dibenzocycloheptenes for treating cardiac arrhythmias

ABSTRACT

NOVEL 10,11 - DIHYDRO-5,10-EPOXY-5H-DIBENZOL(A,D)CYCLOHEPTENES, WHEREIN THE MOIETY SUBSTITUTED AT THE 5-POSITION IS A PRIMARY, SECONDARY OR TERTIARY-AMINOMETHYL GROUP, POSSESSING ANTI-ARRHYTHMIC ACTIVITY ARE DISCLOSED, AS WELL AS INTERMEDIATES AND PROCESSES FOR THE PREPARATION AND USE.

United States Patent Oflice Int. Cl. Afilk 27/00 US. Cl. 424-283 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Novel 10,11 dihydro 5,10-epoXy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenes, wherein the moiety substituted at the 5-position is a primary, secondary or tertiary-aminomethyl group, possessing anti-arrhythmic activity are disclosed, as well as intermediates and processes for their preparation and use.

This application is a division of US. Ser. No. 753,867 filed Aug. 20, 1968 now U.S. Pat. No. 3,564,015, patented Feb. 16, 1971.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION (1) Field of the invention This invention relates to derivatives of dibenzo-cycloheptenes. In particular the invention relates to 10,11- dihydro 5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,dJcycloheptenes, substituted at the 5-position with an aminomethyl group, and methods of preparing and using the same. The inven tion also relates to novel intermediates useful in the preparation of the above compounds as well as processes for the preparation of said intermediates.

(2) Description of the prior art The treatment of cardiac arrhythmias with available therapetutic agents has not been very effective. In spite of the well established place of quinidine and procaine amide in the therapy of cardiac arrhythmia, the ideal therapeutic agent is not yet available. Thus, agents proving particularly useful in suppressing one variety of electrical disturbance are useless in the treatment of other disrhythmias encountered in medical practice. Thus, there has been a great deal of continuing effort directed toward the discovery of novel antiarrhythmics which would have a broad spectrum of effectiveness.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with this invention, there are provided 10,11 dihydro-S,IO-epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenes wherein the moiety substituted at the 5-position is a primary, secondary or tertiary-aminomethyl group. Unexpectedly, these compounds have been found to possess anti-arrhythmic activity without anti-depressant activity and the attendant side effect of tachycardia. They thus exhibit a pharmacologic spectrum quite different from that of the prior art dibenzocycloheptenes wherein the substituent at the 5-position is an aminopropyl or aminopropylidene moiety.

Also disclosed are novel intermediates useful in producing the foregoing compounds, as Well as processes for the preparation thereof, which employ the S-aminopropyl bridged ether dibenzocycloheptenes of the prior art as starting materials. These bridged ether dibenzocycloheptenes, specifically 5-(3-aminopropyl)-5,lO-epOXy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenes, are described in detail in Belgium patent application S. N. 685,858, issued Feb. 23, 1967.

3,657,450 Patented Apr. 18, 1972 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The derivatives of dibenzocycloheptenes of this invention are represented by the following structural formula:

Z a Y 0 Y (-wlncludes cis or trans isomers) Y R R wherein Z is a nonoxidizing radical, or a radical selected from hydrogen, hydroxy, ether (-OR), alkanoyloxy O ('O(|R) sulfonamido (-NHSO R); when Z is hydroxy or alkanoyloxy, there can be a lower alkyl group replacing the hydrogen at the ll-position; R and R can be the same or different, and are hydrogen or lower alkyl; and Y and Y' can be the same or different and are halo, trifluoro-loweralkyl, lower-alkoxy, lower-alkylmercapto, lower-alkylsulfonyl or dilower-alkyl-sulfamoyl.

Included within the scope of this invention are the pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the above compounds. Preferred are the pharmaceutically acceptable acid addition salts such as the hydrochloride, hydrogen maleate and the like.

The compounds represented by the above formula, in either their free base or salt form, possess useful pharmacological properties. In particular, these compounds have been found to possess potent anti-arrhythmic activity without the side effects normally encountered in prior art antiarrhythmics. In particular the compounds of this invention do not produce tachycardia. As anti-arrhythmics these compounds can be administered orally in the form of tablets, powders, capsules, sustained release pellets and the like or they may be administered orally or parenterally in the form of aqueous solutions or suspensions. Such formulations are prepared in conventional manner employing conventional pharmaceutical carriers and excipients as is demonstrated more fully hereinafter. When administered orally or parenterally, satisfactory results are obtained at a daily dosage level of from about 1.0 mg. to about 100.0 mg. It is preferred to administer the compounds in divided doses over the day in order to maintain effective blood levels. On this basis a dosage range of from about 0.25 mg./kg. to about 25 mg./kg. four times a day is preferably employed. The compounds are preferably administered inn the form of their nontoxic acid addition salts.

Illustrative of the anti-arrhythmic compounds of this invention are 10,1 l-dihydro-S- (aminomethyl) -5,l0-epo xy-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-S-(methylaminomethyl) -5,10-epoxy-5H- dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10, 1 1'dihydro-5- (dimethylaminomethyl) -5 ,1 O-epoxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-5-(aminomethyl) -5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy- SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-S-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 lhydroxy-SI-l-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-S-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-l1- hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-3 -chloro-5- (aminomethyl -5,10-epoxy- 5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-3-bromo-5- (methylaminomethyl) -5 l0- epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d1cycloheptene and the like.

The compounds represented by the above structural formula can be prepared according to the following reaction sequence I:

Reaction Sequence I R C H C H2 HzN l\ O R heat l Y (I) Y C H C H-C Hg oxldizel Z II Y r I prep. acid halide (IV) I Z Y (I) Y C OX aminationl (v Z I! C ON-R RIII dehydration reduction (VI) Z (VII) Y Y (I) Y Y (I) Y YHzN R" reduction l (VIII) 2'" /E'\ Y I Y CHzNHz wherein the definition of Y, Y, R and R' are as previously defined; Z is as previously defined for Z, X is halo,

preferably chloro or bromo; and the definition of Z", Z', R" and R' appear hereinafter.

Referring to the above reaction sequence, the N-oxide derivative (I) is obtained from the known 5-(3-aminopropyl) 5,10 epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptenes, disclosed in Belgian Pat. No. 685,858, issued Feb. 23, 1967, according to the method disclosed therein encompassing reaction of the dibenzocycloheptene with hydrogen peroxide or peracids, such as peracetic acid, perbenzoic acid or perphthallic acid and the like.

The 5-allyl derivative (II) is novel and forms an embodiment of this invention. It is prepared by heating the N-oxide compound (I) at a temperature normally ranging from about C. to about 200 C., and preferably about C. Generally no solvent need be employed, since this facilitates the removal of by-product water and amine. However, a high boiling inert solvent can be employed to aid in control of temperature should this be desirable. Pressures in the range of atmospheric to about 10 mm. Hg, and preferably 20 mm. Hg, are normally employed. The resulting allylic derivative (II) can be recovered in conventional manner.

Oxidation of the allylic compound (II) produces the novel S-carboxylic acid derivative (III). This intermediate forms an embodiment of this invention. Any conventional oxidizing agent can be employed as, for example, an alkali metal (preferably sodium or potassium) dichromate or permanganate. Furthermore, catalytic oxidation in the presence of a standard or conventional catalyst can be utilized. The oxidation can be carried out in aqueous solution, as for example, using 10% aqueous sodium hydroxide, using mild conditions, eg atmospheric pressure and temperatures ranging from about 20 C. to about 100 C. The amount of oxygen equivalents must be carefully controlled so that at least six equivalents of oxygen are provided to produce a predominance of the one carbon acid. It should be noted that when the allylic compound (II) is substituted at the ll-position with a trans-hydroxy radical, this radical is converted to a keto group during the foregoing oxidation step. (Preparaion of the cis series is disclosed hereafter). Such keto group remains unaffected in the remaining sequence until the reduction step and, thus, referring to the above reaction sequence, the definition of Z in Formulas III-VI excludes hydroxy, but otherwise is the same as Z.

The acid halide (IV) is another novel embodiment and is prepared by reaction of the carboxylic acid (IH) with either a thionylhalide, preferably thionylchloride, a phosphorus pentahalide, preferably phosphorus pentabromide or phosphorus pentachloride; or a phosphorus oxyhalide. The reaction can be carried out with or without an inert solvent. Temperatures ranging upwards from about 20 C. can be employed. In the absence of a solvent, temperatures ranging from about 25 C. to about 50 C. are preferred and refiux temperatures are preferred when a solvent is used. The reaction is generally carried out at atmospheric pressure.

Reaction of the acid halide (IV) with a primary or secondary amine, preferably a primary or secondary lower-alkyl amine, produces the amide (V), wherein either R" or R can be hydrogen, provided the other is loweralkyl or both can be the same or different lower-alkyl groups. This intermediate is novel and forms an embodiment of this invention. The reaction can be carried out in an inert organic or aqueous media, preferably at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. Temperatures can range from 0 C. upwards to the decomposition temperature of the reactants and product. In general the reaction is carried out at temperatures below 25 C.

The desired secondary or tertiary amine end-product (VII) is prepared by reduction of the amide (V) using a conventional metal hydride reduction system, such as lithium aluminum hydride-catalytic aluminum chloride. In carrying out the reduction when the substituent Z of compound V is keto, or OCOR, these groups are converted to hydroxy. Thus, Z in Formulas VII and VIII excludes keto, and -OCOR, but otherwise is defined the same as Z.

The primary amino end product (VIII) is prepared by dehydration of the amide (V) to produce the novel cyano derivative (VI) followed by reduction thereof using the above described conventional metal hydride reduction. The dehydration step employs thionyl chloride or any other strong dehydrating agent such as acid anhydrides. The dehydration can be run at about 25 C. when dimethylformamide is used. Otherwise moderately higher temperatures on the order of 40 C. to 75 C. are used.

To produce the anti-arrhythmic compounds of this invention wherein the ll-position is unsubstituted (that is wherein the only substituent in the ll-position is hydrogen), the follownig reaction sequence II, employing the S-carboxylic acid (III) from Reaction Sequence I, wherein Z" is keto, as a starting material can be employed:

Reaction Sequence II C OH l esterification /& Y Y

C O O R (X) l HS 0 H20 HzSH reduction l (Raney Ni) 4 Y (I) Y! C O O R (XII) l saponificatlon g\ Y I Y 0 0H (XIII) wherein Y and Y are as previously defined and R is alkyl or aryl, preferably lower-alkyl.

The carboxylic acid (DC) is prepared according to the procedures above described for the preparation of the carboxylic acid (III) utilizing as a starting material the N-oxide (I) wherein Z is hydroxy or keto.

The ester (X) is prepared by esterification of the acid (IX) using conventional procedures. Reaction of the ester with a dithiol (HSR-SH where R is lower-alkyl) yields the thioketal (XI). Alternatively an alkyl mercaptan such as ethylmercaptan can be used in this step to produce the following compound:

wherein R is lower alkyl. A standard condensation catalyst such as boron trifluoride etherate is generally used. It is preferred to effect this step underanhydrous conditions and at a temperature in the range of about 0 C. to about C.

Conventional catalytic reductions of compound (XI), preferably using Raney nickel, produces the unsubstituted derivatives (XI'I) which upon conventional saponification gives the desired ll-unsubstituted carboxylic acid (XIII). This compound can then be converted to the desired llunsubstituted aminoethyl derivative using the procedures described above for converting the carboxylic acid (III) to the secondary or tertiary amine (VII) or the primary amine (VIII).

The following examples illustrate the methods and compounds of this invention.

.Exarnples 1-5 illustrate the preparation of the starting materials of this invention, that is, the appropriate N- oxide, from the 10,11-dihydro 5 (aminopropyl)-5,10- epoxy 5H dibenzo [a,d]cycl0heptenes described in Belgian Pat. No. 685,858, issued Feb. 23, 1967.

EXAM PLE 1 Trans 10,11-dihydro 5 (3 dimethylarninopropyl-5,10-

epoxy 11 hydroxy 5H dibenzo[a,d]cyc1oheptene N-oxide Trans 10,11 dihydro 5 (3 dimethylaminopropyD- 5,10-epoxy 11 hydroxy 5H dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene, 2.06 g. (0.0067 mole), and 20 ml. of absolute methanol are stirred and cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen peroxide, 2.3 g. of 30%, is added dropwise, Stirring is continued for 1 hour in the cold and for 19 hours at room temperature and the mixture then is allowed to stand for 24 hours at room temperature. After cooling in an icebath, the mixture is treated with a suspension of 100 mg. of 5% palladium on charcoal in '1 ml. of water and stirred at room temperature for 2 /2 hours when a test for peroxide is negative. After filtration through a mat of diatomaceous earth, the filtrate is evaporated below 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residual colorless glass weighs 2.3 g. after drying for 3 days in a vacuum desiccator over phosphorus pentoxide. The base is converted to the hydrogen maleate by dissolving it in 20 ml. of cold absolute ethanol and adding a solution of 860 mg. of maleic acid in 5 ml. of absolute ethanol. Dilution to incipient crystallization with 25 ml. of absolute ether precipitates the hydrogen maleate. (M.P. 15l152 C. dec., in a yield of 2.6 g.). Recrystallization from cold absolute methanol-absolute ether gives the product (M.P. 156 C. dec.).

Analysis.Calcd. for C H 'NO -C H O (percent): C, 65.29; H, 6.16; N, 3.17. Found (percent): C, 65.37; H, 6.16; N, 3.13.

EXAMPLE 2 10,1 l-dihydro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10'-epoxy- SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-1 l-one N-oxide :10,11 dihydro 5 (3 dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10- epoxy 11 keto-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene, (0.0067 mole), and 20 ml. of absolute methanol are stirred and cooled in an ice-bath. Hydrogen peroxide, 2.3 g. of 30%, is added dropwise. Stirring is continued for 1 hour in the cold and for 19 hours at room temperature and the mixture then is allowed to stand for 24 hours at room temperature. After cooling in an ice-bath, the mixture is treated with a suspension of 100 mg. of 5% palladium on charcoal in 1 ml. of water and stirred at room temperature for 2 /2 hours when a test for peroxide is negative. After filtration through a mat of diatomaceous earth, the filtrate is evaporated below 40 C. under reduced pressure. The residual colorless glass weighs 2.3 g. after drying for 3 days in a vacuum desiccator over phosphorus pentoxide, The base is converted to the hydrogen maleate by dissolving it in 20 ml. of cold absolute ethanol and adding a solution of 860 mg. of maleic acid in 5 ml. of absolute ethanol. Dilution to incipient crystallization with 25 ml. of absolute ether precipitates the hydrogen maleate. Recrystallization from cold absolute methanol-absolute ether gives the product.

EXAMPLE 3 10,1 l-dihydro-S- 3-dimethylaminopropyl -5 ,10-epoxy- :SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene N-oxide Following the procedure of Example 1, with the exception that 10,1l-dihydro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene, (0.0067 mole) is substituted as a starting material, there is produced the above captioned product.

EXAMPLE 4 Trans 10,11 dihydro 5 (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-

epoxy l1 methoxy 5H dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene EN-oxide Trans 10,11 dihydro 5 (3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy 11 methoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene, (0.0067 mole), is substituted as a starting material in the procedure of Example '1 to produce the desired product in good yield.

EXAMPLE 5 TABLE I Starting material Product Trans 10,11-dihydro-5-(El-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10epoxy-11- methylsulfonamido-GH- dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene.

Trans 10,11-dihydro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10epoxy-11- methyl-1l-hydroxy-SH-dibenz[a,d]cyc10l1eptene.

Trans 10,1l dihydro--(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-11- methyl-1l-ethanoyloxy-SH- dibenzo[a,d]cyclol1eptene.

Trans 10,11-dihydro-5-(3-dirnethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-11- methylsulfonamido-SH- dibenzo[a,d]oycloheptene N-oxide.

Trans 11-dil1ydro-5-(3-dimethyiaminopropyl) -5,10 epoxy-11metl1yl-11-hydroxy BH-dibenzo[a,d]cyeloheptene N-oxide.

Trans 10 11-dihydro-5-(3-dimethy amin0pr0pyl)5,lO- epoxy-ll-methyl-ll-ethanoyloxy- 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene N-oxide.

10,11-dihydro-3-chloro-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10- epoxy-ll-keto-SH-dibenzo[a,d] cycloheptene N-oxide.

10,11-dil1ydr0-2chloro-5-(3- dimethylanimopropyl)5,10- epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,dleycloheptene N-oxide.

10,11-dihydro-8-chl0r0-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)5,10- epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene N-oxide.

10,11-dil1ydro-3-bromo-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)-5,l0- epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycl0- heptene N oxide.

TABLE I.-'Contt:inued Product Starting material Trans 10,11-dihydro-3-trifluoromethyl-5-(3dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-11- l1ydroxy-5H-dibenzo[a,dlcycloheptene.

Trans 10,11-dihydro'3-mcthylsulfonyl-5-(3-dimethylan1inopropyl)-5,10-opoxy-l1-hydroxy- 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptcne.

Trans 10,11-dihydro-3-methylmercapto-5-(Ii-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-11hydroxy- 5I-I-dibeuzo[a,d]cycloheptene.

Trans 10,11-dihydro3-dimethylsulionyl-5-(ii-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-ll-hydroxy- 5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene.

The following series of Examples 6-9, illustrate the preparation of a 5-secondary amino compound of this invention utilizing the reaction sequence I set forth above.

EXAMPLE 6 5-allyl-l0,1l-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene-1 l-one 10,1l-dihydro-5 (3 dimethylaminopropyl) 5,10- epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-1l-one N-oxide, 19 g. (0.0427 mole) is heated under reduced pressure and in a stream of nitrogen. Heating is started at a bath temperature of C. and gradually increased. At C., vigorous decomposition begins and the bath is held at -170 C. until the decomposition appears to be complete after 20-30 min. The residual brown oil is dissolved in benzene, washed with water, 0.5 M citric acid, and water, and dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate. Evaporation of the solvent under reduced pressure leaves the product as an oily brown solid in a yield of 10.1 g. Purification is effected by column chromatography on 300 g. of silica gel. The colorless material, eluted with benzene weighs 7.5 g. (67% M.P. 8486. A similarly chromatographed sample is purified for analysis by crystallization from petroleum ether and sublimation at 85/ 0.1 mm.; M.P. 85-86 C.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O (percent): C, 82.42; H, 5.38. Found (percent): C, 82.16; H, 5.35.

By employing the respective N-oxide reactants set forth in Table I, and following the procedure of Example 6, with the exception that these N-oxides are substituted for the starting material utilized in Example 6, the corresponding 5-allyl derivatives are respectively produced as set forth in the following Table II.

TABLE II trans 5-allyl-10-1l-dihydro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropy1)- 5,10-epoxy-1 1-methylsulfonamido-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene trans 5-allyl-19,11-dihydro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-1 l-methyl-l l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene trans 5-allyl-10,1l-dihydro-S-(3-dimcthylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-1 l-methyl-l l-ethanoyloxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene 5-allyl-10,1 1-dihydro-3 -chloro-5- 3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-keto-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene 5-allyl-10-11-dihydro-7-chloro-5-(S-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene 5-ally1-10,11-dihydro-2-chloro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl -5 1 O-epoxy-S H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene trans 5-allyl-10,11-dihydro-5-(3 -dimethylaminopropyl propyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene 5-allyl-10,11-dihydro-3-bromo-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene trans 5-allyl-10-11-dihydro-3-trifluoromethyl-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d1cycloheptene trans -allyl-10, 1 l-dihydro-3-methylsulfonyl-5- 3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d]cycloheptene trans 5-allyl-10,1 1-dihydr0-3-methylmercapto-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,b] cycloheptene trans 5-allyl-10,11-dihydro-3-dirnethylsulfonyl-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl -5 1 O-epoxy-l l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene EXAMPLE 7 10,1 1-dihydr0-5,l0-epoxy-1l-keto-SH-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid A suspension of 7.7 g. (0.0294 mole) of 5-allyl-10,11- dihydro 5,10 epoxy 5H dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-11- one in a solution of 15.8 g. (0.1 mole) of potassium permanganate in 290 ml. of water and 6 ml. of aqueous sodium hydroxide is stirred at room temperature for 16 hours. The mixture is then heated on a steam-bath for 45 min. and filtered hot through diatomaceous earth, Washing the filter cake with boiling Water. The filtrate is cooled and extracted twice with benzene. The aqueous layer then is cooled in an ice-bath and acidified with 6 N hydrochloric acid. The gummy product which separates is extracted into methylene chloride. Evaporation of the washed and dried extract under reduced pressure leaves the product as a yellow glass in a yield of 5.8 g. (85%). The crude product is suitable for further use.

By employing the respective 5-allyl compounds of Table II and following the procedure of Example 7, with the exception that these 5-allyl compounds are substituted for the starting material utilized in Example 6, the corresponding 5-carboxylic acid derivatives are respectively produced as set forth in the following Table III.

TAB LE =IIl trans 10,11 dihydro 5 (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10- epoxy-1 1-methylsulfonamido-5-H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid trans 10,11 dihydro 5 (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-

epoxy-1 l-methyl-l l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid trans 10,11 dihydro 5 (3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-

epoxy-1 l-methyl-l l-ethanoyloxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid 10,11 dihydro 3 chloro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-1 l-keto-5'H-dibenzo [a,d] -cyclohepten-5- carboxylic acid 10,11 dihydro 7 chloro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid 10,11 dihydro 2 chloro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5-,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-5-carboxylic acid 10,11 dihydro 8 chloro-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-5 H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid 10,11 dihydro 3 bromo-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)- 5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid trans 10,11-dihydro 3 trifiuoromethyl-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SI-I-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid trans 10,11-dihydro 3 methylsulfonyl-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid trans 10,11-dihydro 3 methylmercapto-S-(B-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-S-H-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid trans 10,11-dihydro 3 dimethylsulfonyl-S-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid 10 EXAMPLE 8 N-methyl- 10,1 1-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-1 l-keto-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-ca-rboxamide 10,11-dihydro 5,10 epoxy-11-keto-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid, 3.8 g. (0.0143 mole, is dissolved in 40 ml. of dry benzene by warming. The solution is cooled to about 30 C., treated with 4 ml. of thionyl chloride, and heated to refluxing for 3 hours. Solvents are removed under reduced pressure, the residue redissolved in dry benzene, and the solution again evaporated under reduced pressure leaving the crude acid chloride (10,1 1-dihydro-5,l0-epoxy-11-keto-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid chloride) as an oily yellow solid. This residue is dissolved in 35 ml. of dry acetone and the solution added dropwise with stirring to 40 ml. of 40% aqueous methylamine at room temperature. After 1 /2 hours, the bulk of the acetone and methylamine are distilled under reduced pressure and the residual mixture is partitioned between Water and 1:1 benzene-ether. The organic phase is washed with water, 3 N hydrochloric acid, and water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residual oily solid product, 3.3 g., is purified by column chromatography on 200 g. of silica gel. The material eluted with 1:1 benzene-chloroform and giving Rf 0.65 on thin layer chromatography on silica gel developed with 1% methanol in chloroform is collected; yield, 1.94 g., M.P. ISO-159. A sample for analysis is obtained by recrystallization from aqueous ethanol and two sublimations at /0.1 mm.; M.P. 157159.

Analysis.-Calcd. for C H NO (percent): C, 73.11; H, 4.69. Found (percent): C, 73.12; H, 4.52.

By employing the respective 5-carboxylic acid derivatives of Table III and following the procedure of Example 8, with the exception that these S-carboxylic acid derivatives are substituted for the starting material utilized in Example 8, the corresponding S-carboxamides are respectively produced as set forth in the following Table IV.

TABLE IV trans N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-5- B-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-11-methylsulfonamidod-H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide trans N-methyl-10,1 l-dihydro-S- B-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide trans N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-5- 3-dirnethylaminopropyl) -5, l0-epoxy-1-methyl-ethanoyloxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-3-chloro-5- 3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 l-keto-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-7-chloro-5- 3-dimethylaminopropyl) -5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten- S-carboxamide N-methyl-10,1l-dihydro-2-chloro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) -5, l0-epoxy-5H-dibenz0 [a,d] cyclohepten- S-carboxamide N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-8-chloro-5- 3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenz0 [a,d]cyclohepten-5- carboxamide N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-3-bromo-5- 3-methylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S- carboxamide trans N-methyl-10,1 1-dihydro-3-trifluoromethyl-5- 3- dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide trans N-methyl-10,1 l-dihydro- 3 -methylsulfonyl-5- 3- dimethylaminopropyl) -5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide trans N-methyl-10,11-dihydro-3-methylmercapto-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl -5, l0-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide trans N-methyll 0,1 1-dihydro-3-dimethylsulfonyl-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH- dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxarrflde EXAMPLE 9 Trans N-methyl-10,l l-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-1 l-hydroxy- SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten--rnethylamine Lithium aluminum hydride, 125 mg. (0.003 mole), is weighed under nitrogen, transferred to a dry, nitrogenflushed reaction flask, and suspended in 10 ml. of absolute ether. A solution of 400 mg. (0.003 mole) of aluminum chloride in 10 ml. of absolute ether is added dropwise and the mixture, containing a white precipitate, is stirred for 10 min. at room temperature. A solution of 430 mg. (0.00154 mole) of N-methyl-l0,1l-dihydro-5,10-epoxy- 11-keto-5H-dibenz0[a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxamide in 30 ml. of absolute ether is added dropwise over a period of min. and the mixture is stirred at room temperature under a slow stream of nitrogen for about 16 hours. After cooling in an ice-bath, hydrolysis is effective by the dropwise addition of 2 ml. of water, The ethereal layer is decanted and the gelatinous precipitate washed with two additional portions of ether. The precipitate is partially dissolved in 10 ml. of 40% aqueous sodium hydroxide and 50 ml. of water and the mixture is extracted with several portions of benzene. The washed and dried benzene extract is evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, leaving the product as the residual solid, m.p. 164- 166 C., in a yield of 0.266 g. (65%).

The base is converted to the hydrogen maleate salt by treating a solution in methanol with a slight excess of a methanolic solution of maleic acid. Dilution with ether precipitates trans N-methyl-10,ll-dihydro-5,10- epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SH dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine hydrogen maleate as white crystals, M.P. 173.5- 175.5" C. dec. A sample for analysis melts at 175-177" C. dec. after recrystallization from absolute ethanol-ether.

Analysis.Calcd. for C17H17NO2'C4H4O4 (percent): C, 65.78; H, 5.52; N, 3.65. Found (percent): C, 65.61; H, 5.44; N, 3.79.

By employing the respective carboxamides set forth in Table IV and following two procedure of Example 9, with the exception that these S-carboxamides are substituted for the starting material utilized in Example 9, the corresponding hydrogen maleate of the S-methylamine end-products of this invention are respectively produced, as set forth in Table V.

TABLE V trans N-methyl-l0,1l-dihydro-S-(3-dimethylaminopro pyl -5 1 O-epoxy-l 1-methylsulfonamido-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine trans N-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-l l-methyl-l 1-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine trans N-rnethyl-10,1l-dihydro-S-(3-dimethylaminopro pyl) -5 1 O-epoxy-l l-methyl-l l-ethanoyloxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine N-metl1yl-10,11-dihydro-3-chloro-5-(3 -dirnethylaminopropyl)-5, l0-epoxy-l l-keto-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine N-methyl-10,11-dihydro-7-chloro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl -5, l0-epoxy-5H-dib enzo [a,d] cycloheptene-S- methylamine N-methyl-10,1l-dihydro-Z-chloro-S-(3-dimcthylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5- methylamine N-methyl-10,l1-dihydro-8-chloro-5-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-5I-I-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5- methylamine N-methyl-10,1l-dihydro-3 -bromo-5- 3-dimethylaminopropyl -5, 1 0'epoxy-5H-dib enzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S- methylamine trans N-methyl-10,11-dihydro-3-trifiuoromethyl-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl -5, l O-epoxy-l l-hydroxy-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine trans N-methy1-10,1 1-dihydro-3-methylsulfonyl-5- 3- dimethylaminopropyl)-5,10-epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine trans N-methyl-l0,11-dihydro-3-methylmercapto-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl) -5,l0-epoxy-1 1-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine trans N-methyl-l0,11-dihydro-3-dimethylsulfonyl-5-(3- dimethylaminopropyl) -5, lO-epoxy-l 1-hydroxy-5H- dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine Examples 1015 illustrate the preparation of a 5-secondary amino compound of this invention unsubstituted at the ll-position (that is wherein hydrogen is the only substituent), utilizing reaction sequence II set forth above.

EXAMPLE 10 Methyl 10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-11-keto-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylate 10,11 dihydro-5,l0-epoxy-ll-keto-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptend-carboxylic acid, 2.95 g. (0.011 mole), p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate, 1,2 g., and 60 ml. absolute methanol are stirred at refluxing for 4 hours. Methanol is distilled under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in benzene. The benzene extract is washed with water, saturated sodium bicarbonate, and water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure. The product is left as a yellow oil which slowly crystallizes. Recrystallization from methanol-water gives 1.19 g. of product, M.P. 93-95 C. A purified sample melts at 93.5-95.5 C. after recrystallization from 95% ethanol.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O (percent): C, 72.8); n, 4.32. Found (percent): C, 73.61; H, 4.26.

EXAMPLE 1 1 Ethylene thioketal of methyl 10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy- 1 l-keto-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxylate Methyl 10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-1l-keto-SH-dibenzo [a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylate, 280 mg. (0.001 mole), in 6 ml. of glacial acetic acid is treated with 0.3 m1. of ethanedithiol and 0.6 ml. of boron trifiuoride etherate. The mixture is stirred at room temperature for about 16 hours, white percipitate separating after 3-4 hours. The precipitate is collected, washed with acetic acid and air dried; yield, 0.255 g.; M.P. 206208 C. A purified sample melts at 208-209.5 C. after two recrystallizations from 95% ethanol.

Analysis.Calcd. for C H O S (percent): C, 64.01; H, 4.53; S, 17.99. Found (percent): C, 63.90; H, 4.34; S, 18.09.

EXAMPLE 12 Methyl 10,11-dihydro-5,lO-epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,dJcyclohepten-S-carb oxylate The ethylene thioketal of methyl 10,11-dihydro-5,10- epoxy-1 1-keto-5 H-dibenzo a,d] cyclohepten-5 -carboxylate, 0.91 g. (0.00256 mole) in ml. of absolute ethanol is stirred at refluxing with about 9 g. of freshly prepared W-7 Raney nickel for 3 /2 hours. The nickel is removed and washed several times with warm ethanol by centrifugation. The combined ethanolic supernatant solutions are evaporated under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in benzene. The benzene solution, after filtration through a mat of diatomaceous earth to remove the last traces of nickel, is evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, leaving the product as a colorless oil in a yield of 0.69 g.

13 EXAMPLE 13 10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten- S-carboxylic acid A solution of methyl 10,11-dihydro-5,10-epoxy-5H-di- "benzo[a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylate, 0.68 g. (0.00256 mole) in 10 ml. of 95% ethanol is heated to refluxing with 2.5 ml. of 5% aqueous sodium hydroxide for 2 /2 hours. Ethanol is distilled under reduced pressure and the residue dissolved in water. The solution is cooled in an ice bath, acidified with 3 N hydrochloric acid, and the precipitated product extracted into methylene chloride. Evaporation of the washed and dried extract under reduced pressure left the product as the glassy residue in a yield of 0.626 g.

EXAMPLE 14 N-methyl- 10,1 l-dihydro-S, 1 O-epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cyclohepten-S-carboxamide 10,11 dihydro 5,10-epoxy-5H=dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxylic acid, 0.62 g. (0.00246 mole) in 7 ml. of dry benzene is treated with 0.7 ml. of thionyl chloride and the solution heated to refluxing for 3 hours. Solvents are removed under reduced pressure, the residue redissolved in benzene, and the solution again evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure. The residual oily yellow acid chloride dissolved in 6 m1. of dry acetone is added dropwise with stirring to 8 ml. of 40% aqueous methylamine at room temperature. After 1 /2 hours, the bulk of the acetone and methylamine is distilled under reduced pressure and the residue partitioned between benzene and water. The benzene layer is separated, washed with water, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate, and evaporated under reduced pressure. Crystallization of the residual oily solid from aqueous ethanol gives the product, M.P. 187-190 C. in a yield of 0.37 g. Sublimation at 145/0.1 mm. yields purified product, M.P. 183-487 C.

EXAMPLE 15 N-methyl-10,1l-dihydro-S,l-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-S-methylamine Lithium aluminum hydride, 0.1 g. (0.0026 mole) is weighed under nitrogen, transferred to a dry, nitrogenfiushed reaction flask, and suspended in ml. of absolute ether. A solution of 0.32 g. (0.0024 mole) of aluminum chloride in ml. of absolute ether is added dropwise, and the mixture, containing a white precipitate, is stirred for 10 min. at room temperature. A solution of 0.3 g. (0.00113 mole) of N-methyl-l0,11-dihydro-5,l0-epoxy- SH-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-S-carboxyamide in 150 ml. of absolute ether is added rapidly dropwise and the mixture is stirred at room temperature under a slow stream of nitrogen for about 18 hours. After cooling in an icebath, hydrolysis is effected by the dropwise addition of 1.5 ml. of water. The ethereal layer is decanted and the residual precipitate washed with two portions of boiling ether. The precipitate then is partially dissolved in 10 ml. of 10 N sodium hydroxide and 40 ml. of water and the mixture is extracted with several portions of benzne-ether (1:1). The washed and dried organic extract is evaporated to dryness under reduced pressure, leaving the product as the residual oil in a yield of 0.28 g.

The base is converted to the hydrogen maleate salt by treating a solution in ethanol with a slight excess of an ethanolic solution of maleic acid. Dilution with ether precipitates N methyl 10,1l-dihydro-S,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-S-methylamine hydrogen maleate as white crystals, M.P. 177-178" C.; yield, 0.329 g. An analytical sample melts at 177.5179 C. after recrystallization from absolute ethanol-absolute ether.

Ana1lysis.-Calcd. for C1'1H17NO.C4H4O4 (percent): C, 68.65; H, 5.76. Found (percent): C, 68.65; H, 6.03.

By employing the foregoing methods, the following compounds further exemplify the end-products of this in- 'vention:

10,1l-dihydro-3-chloro-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10-

e poxy-S H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-3-chloro-5-( dimethylaminomethyl -5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydr0-3 -chloro-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-11- hydroxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d1cycloheptene;

10,1l-dihydro-3chloro-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,l0- epoxy-l 1-hydroxy-5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1l-dihydro-3-chloro-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10'-

epoxy-l 1-hydroxy-5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-7-chloro-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-5H- dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

l0,11-dihydro-7-chloro-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cyc1oheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-7-chloro-5- dimethylaminomethyl -5, 1 0

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene 10, 1 1-dihydro-7-chloro-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-11- hydroXy-5H-dibenzo a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-7-chloro-5(methylaminomethyl)-5,10- epoxy-1 1-hydroxy-5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-7-chloro-5-(dimehtylaminomethyl)-5,10

epoxy-1 1-hydroxy-5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-2-chloro-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy- 5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-2-chloro-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-2-chloro-5 (dimethylaminomethyl) -5, 10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1l-dihydro-Z-chloro-S-(amin0methyl)-5,10-epoxy-11- hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-Z-chloro-S-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10- epoxy-l 1-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-2-chloro-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10- epoxy-l 1-hydroxy-5 H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10, 1 1dihydro-8-chloro-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy- SH-dibenzo a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-8-chloro-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10, 1 1-dihydro-8-chloro-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1l-dihydro-S-chloro-S-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-1T- hydroxy-SH-dibenzo a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-8-chloro-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10- epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-8-chloro-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-1l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-3-bromo-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy- SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1l-dihydro-3-bromo-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-3-bromo-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxy-1 1 hydroxy-SH-dibenzo a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-3-bromo-5(methylaminomethyl)-5,10- epoxy- 1 1-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-3-bromo-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-1 l-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-7-bromo-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10epoxy- SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1 l-dihydro-7-bromo-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d cycloheptene;

10,1 1-dihydro-7-bromo-5-(dimethylaminomethyl)-5,10-

epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene 10,1 1-dihydro-7-bromo-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-epoxyl'1-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-7-bromo-5-(methylaminomethyl)-5,10- epoxy-11-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-7-bromo-5-(dimethylaminomethyD-S,10

epoxy-1 1-hydroxy-5H-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,1l-dihydro-3-trifluoromethyl-5-(aminomethyl)-5,10-

ep-oxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene;

10,11-dihydro-3-trifiuoromethyl-5-(methylaminomethyl)- 5 1 O-epoxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d] cycloheptene In either the cis or trans series, to produce the tertiary methylamino derivative Y (I) Y the Eschweiler-Clarke modification of the Leuckart reaction can be employed. Conventional selective acylation and reduction can be used to produce the following tertiary lower-alkyl or secondary lower-alkyl derivatives as an Tablets Tablets for oral administration are prepared by mixing the active ingredient with appropriate amounts of excipients and binding agents, formed into tablets by a conventional tableting machine and coated so that each tahlet will have the following composition.

Per tablet, mg.

10,1'1 dihydro (methylaminomethyl) 5,10-

epoxy 11 hydroxy 5H dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene hydrogen maleate Cellulose filter aid 11 Lactose 9 Calcium phosphate dibasic 143 Guar gum 1 6.1 Corn starch 4 Magnesium stearate 0.9 Opaque yellow film coating 3 EXAMPLE 17 Capsules Capsules for oral administration are prepared by dispersing the active ingredient in lactose and magnesium stearate and encapsulating the mixture in standard soft gelatin capsules so that each capsule will have the following composition.

Per capsule, mg.

10,11 dihydro 5 (dirnethylaminomethyl) 5,10-

epoxy 5H dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene hydrogen maleate Lactose 430 Magnesium stearate 5 20 EXAMPLE 18 Prevention or modification of ventricular arrhythmia Beagle dogs of either sex, and weighing from 6 to 10 kg. are anesthetized by the administration of vinbarbital employing a dose of 50 mg./ kg. of body weight, and the mean arterial pressure and the electrocardiogram (Lead II) are recorded. The animals are artificially respired and the thorax opened at the fourth or fifth interspace. The pericardium is opened and a portion of the anterior descending coronary artery just distal to the origin is freed from the surrounding tissue. Mecamylamine is administered to slow the heart rate and 10 minutes later the com pound to be tested for anti-arrhythmic effect is administered intravenously. Ten minutes after administration of the test compound 0.0035 ml./kg. of tetrafinorohexachlorobutane (TFHCB), a sclerosing agent 'which produces myocardial infarction and arrhythmia in dogs [Ascanio et al., J. Am. Physiol. 209: 1081-1088 (1965)], is injected into the coronary artery. Following injection of the sclerosing agent, the electrocardiogram is recorded at two-minute intervals for one hour, and the average number of electrical (ECG) complexes per minute and the percent normal complexes calculated.

In control animals, the dose of sclerosing agent used produces a ventricular arrhythmia in of the animals tested, and death in 33% as a result of ventricular fibrillation. In control animals, on the average, fewer than 20% of all recorded ECG complexes are normal.

The test compounds, 10,1l-dihydro-S-(methylaminomethyl)5,10-epoxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene and 10, ll-dihydro 5 (methylaminomethyl)-5,IO-epoxy-ll-hydroxy-SH-dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene, were demonstrated to have antiarrhythmic activity and in these experiments, at 5 mg./kg. respectively, on the average 50% of all ECG complexes were normal and none of the animals succumbed to ventricular fibrillation.

I claim:

1. A method for treating cardiac arrhythmias which comprises administering an effective antiarrhythmic dose of a compound of the formula wherein Y and Y can be the same or different and are halo, trifiuoroloweralkyl, lower alkoxy, loweralkylmercapto, loweralkylsulfonyl or di(loweralkyl)sulfamoyl; and R and R can be the same or different and are hydrogen or loweralkyl; Z is hydrogen, hydroxy, keto, lower alkoxy, loweralkanoyloxy, loweralkylsulfonamido and when Z is hydroxy or loweralkanoyloxy there can be loweralkyl replacing the hydrogen at the ll-position to an animal affected with arrhythmia.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is 10,11 dihydro-S-(dimethylaminomethyl) -5, l O-epoxy-SH- dibenzo[a,d]cycloheptene.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said compound is 10,11 dihydro-S-(methylaminomethyl) 5,10-epoxy-1lhydroxy-SH-dibenzo [a,d cycloheptene.

References Cited FOREIGN PATENTS 649,168 12/1964 Belgium 260345.2

JEROME D. GOLDBERG, Primary Examiner 

